It has Become Easier to Obtain a Danish Passport Abroad

With the implementation of fingerprints in Danish passports from 1 January 2012 it became more difficult to get a passport abroad. This led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore the possibilities of bettering this service within the new regulation, for instance by travelling embassy staff.

The implementation of new biometric passports with fingerprints as per 1 January 2012 made it more difficult for Danes abroad to apply for passports due to the reduction of passport issuing missions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore studied the possibilities for practical solutions that could improve the access to passport application abroad. This led the Ministry to implement the following:

From 15 June 2012 it has become possible to apply for passports for children under the age of 12 at honorary consulates and embassies without biometric equipment. Beforehand, these could only extend passports and issue emergency passports. Note that you need to bring two printed photos meeting the requirements of the Danish police and parental consent must be given by both parents/custody holders. Most honorary consulates and other missions without biometric equipment can still issue emergency passports and extend the validity of passports.

Certain regions will be serviced by travelling embassy staff using a mobile biometric kit (biometric suitcases). These visits will take place on a regular basis to a limited number of areas with the greatest need, based on the number of Danes living in the area and the distance to or otherwise difficult access to a passport issuing mission. More detailed information can be found via the various missions’ websites.

Danes living abroad can apply for passports while visiting Denmark, and are now able to collect the passport at a number of missions abroad. An additional fee of DKR 185 (2012 rate) is to be paid to the mission where the passport is collected. It is recommended to apply in due time to be able to receive the passport during the visit to Denmark. Furthermore, it is also possible to apply for a passport abroad and collect the passport at a Civil Service Center in Denmark.

The same fee will be charged regardless of which mission abroad handles the application.

For detailed information and FAQ, please see your regional embassy’s webpage or visit the passport section at www.um.dk (Danish only).